Safety and security

Demonstrations could still occur in reaction to the results of the October 13, 2018 elections.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for the latest information

‎‎‎Border with Liberia

Armed attacks aimed mainly at positions of the Republican Forces of Côte d’Ivoire occur along the border with Liberia.

Abidjan

Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville and Yopougon, due to the risk of theft and mugging.

Refrain from crossing the Charles de Gaulle, Henri Konan Bédié and Houphouët-Boigny bridges on foot, as pedestrians have been assaulted there, even in broad daylight. Do not walk in Le Plateau business district at night after offices and shops have closed.

Be vigilant at night in neighbourhoods where nightclubs, restaurants and maquis (clandestine establishments) are found, for instance in Zone 4. Armed robberies, carjackings and assaults have occurred there.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Roads can be blocked. Do not attempt to cross a roadblock set-up by demonstrators.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Protest actions

Active and demobilized members of the armed forces have periodically held protest actions in Abidjan, Bouaké and other cities throughout the country. Some of these incidents involved gunfire.

Avoid the vicinity of military camps throughout the country

Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings

Exercise caution

Monitor local media

Crime

Criminal activity is the main threat to your safety and security in Côte d’Ivoire.

In Abidjan and other cities in the country, you could be the target of petty crime such as pickpocketing or purse snatching. Petty criminals do not hesitate to use force when faced with resistance.

Burglaries, break-ins and violent assaults are also frequent, as is car theft. Luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles are particularly targeted. Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Crime increases significantly at night. Be especially careful after sundown, and avoid travel late at night.

Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as wearing jewelry, and carrying large sums of cash

Highway robbers

Armed bandits (coupeurs de route or highwaymen) sometimes strike along the country’s highways. They erect barricades to stop vehicles and rob passengers. Although this phenomenon has become much less common, incidents occur regularly along primary and secondary roads. These bandits are active mainly at night, but attacks also occur in broad daylight.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Areas close to the porous border with Mali, where jihadist groups are active, are particularly at risk. On March 13, 2016, at least 20 people were killed, including some foreigners, when gunmen attacked a beach resort in Grand-Bassam, approximately 40 km east of Abidjan.

Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools

places of worship

airports and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Road safety

Côte d’Ivoire has a fairly good road system. A two-lane highway links Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. Main roads are generally paved, but the remainder are not. Although the road system is generally in good condition, several stretches of road are still full of potholes and are buckled in places.

Road accidents are common, due to poor road conditions, excessive speeds and careless driving. Drive defensively at all times and respect speed limits.

When a vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic, doors should be locked and windows closed at all times. You should always carry your identification and vehicle documents. It is recommended that you avoid travelling after nightfall, owing to poorly lit roads and the risk of accident or holdup.

Public transportation

Public transportation is inadequate in Abidjan and you should not use it.

Buses are overcrowded. Although taxis are available, they are generally in poor condition and their drivers are reckless. If you must absolutely take a taxi, either insist that the meter be turned on and pay only the indicated price, or negotiate the fare in advance.

Taxi passengers have been robbed and assaulted by drivers, so be very cautious. Do not allow the driver to pick up any other passengers on the way to your destination, as this may be a prearranged scheme to attack or rob you.

Avoid using informal taxis (woro-woros) and buses (gbaka).

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Useful links

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa before arrival.

You can get a visa at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. However, you must first get a “receipt of pre-enrolment” online, as well as a “certificate of approval of the authority” (which is proof of authorization), before you board your flight to Abidjan.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world.

This country is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area where there are many cases of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. Travellers who may be at high risk should consider getting vaccinated. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

Vaccination is recommended.

There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Food/Water

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

Travellers at higher risk should discuss with a health care professional the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Travellers at higher risk include those:

visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation

visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis can be spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Zika virus infection

Zika virus infection is a risk in this country. Recent or ongoing cases of Zika virus have been reported in this country.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.

See a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss the benefits of taking antimalarial medication and to determine which one to take.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in West Africa, like avian influenza, ebola, and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Appropriate health facilities and medical supplies are found in Abidjan, but they may be expensive. Before commencing treatment, public and private medical facilities generally require an up-front deposit, a guarantee of payment or confirmation that the traveller has medical insurance.

There are few medical facilities outside of Abidjan. Air evacuation is sometimes the only option in the event of a medical emergency in remote areas.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

Laws & culture

Photographing certain installations, such as military sites, government buildings (including radio and television stations), the presidential palace, the airport and the Charles De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan, is prohibited.

Art objects purchased in Côte d’Ivoire must be accompanied by an export permit provided by the Musée National (national museum).

Driving

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Côte d'Ivoire.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Côte d'Ivoire, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Money

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, some restaurants and some shops. ATMs are available in Abidjan and most major cities.

Natural disasters and climate

Natural disasters & climate

In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from May to July and from October to November. In the central and north-central regions, the rainy seasons extend from mid-July to mid-October and from mid-March to mid-May. In the north, the rainy season is from July to November, and the harmattan wind blows down from the Sahara between December and February.

Severe rainstorms can cause sudden flooding and landslides, interrupt essential services and impede overland travel. You should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Risk Levels

Exercise normal security precautions

There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country may be compromised.

Avoid non-essential travel

There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors.

Avoid all travel

There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.